Art Therapy
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is the practice of using creative processes such as painting, drawing and sculpture to improve the overall health and well being of clients. Based on the premise that art is the bridge between the conscious and the unconscious mind, art therapists believe that some emotions are not easily expressed in words, and that the artistic process can help people resolve problems, reduce stress, increase self-awareness and manage behavior.
How did Art Therapy begin?
Art Therapy emerged in the 1940s after psychiatrists became interested in drawings made by their patients with mental illness. Researchers also discovered that certain developmental, cognitive and emotional insights could be gathered from the drawings of children. Art Therapy soon expanded into many hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, correctional facilities and private practice.
What do Art Therapists do?
Art Therapists work with clients to help them express themselves through art. They often have a strong background in psychology, human behavior, sociology and the visual arts. Through observation and analysis of all elements of the art-making process, such as materials chosen by the client, and the subject, symbols and colors within the artwork, Art Therapists interpret the work to make assessments and formulate treatment plans. They believe the client holds the keys to unlocking the meaning within their work. They stress that art therapy will not fix psychological problems, but that art can help the client work through their issues and move on from them.
What happens in a therapy session?
Before creating art, the Art Therapist talks with the client about any issues or problems they want to work through. After the interview process, the therapist will guide the client through creative exercises to stimulate self-exploration. After the client has created a piece of art, the therapist will work with them to interpret their work, and together they will look for insight into any issues that may arise. Most sessions last between 1 - 1½ hours once a week for as long as the therapy is needed.
What do certain colors represent?
Colors, symbols and motifs are important to art therapists in working with their clients to determine the meaning of the artwork. While color symbolism may differ depending on culture and association, there are some general guidelines that can be useful in determining what a piece of artwork may mean.
- Red often implies passionate emotions, either from pleasure, from pain, compassion or anger.
- Orange suggests a life change. This change can be large or small, and is more often positive than negative.
- Yellow represents energy, and is usually a positive message.
- Green and blue suggest happiness, joy and creativity. They also suggest a strong sense or desire of groundedness and stability.
- Purple implies the spiritual world and unconditional love.
- Brown or other earth tones represent groundedness and stability.
- Black may represent grief, despair, fear, or a sense of empowerment.
- White can either mean fear and avoidance, or hope.
- Grey represents ambiguity or uncertainty about the issue at hand. *
* Color code adopted from The Paramount Wellness Institute. Inspiration Unlimited, http://www.brianlukeseaward.net
What is Art Therapy commonly used for?
Art Therapy is valuable for treating emotional and psychological issues such as learning difficulties, aggression, eating disorders, addiction and stress. Physicians and psychiatrists may also refer patients to art therapists when dealing with terminal or life-threatening illness. It is also used informally, without a therapist, for general stress relief.
How do I find an Art Therapist?
Art Therapists often work in conjunction with hospitals and in school settings. Asking your medical provider for a referral is often the best way to locate a therapist. There is also an online Art Therapist locator.
Sources
Alternative Healing: The Complete A-Z Guide to more than 150 Alternative Therapies by Mark Kastner, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., and Hugh Burroughs. Henry Holt and Company: 1996.
The American Art Therapy Association, http://www.arttherapy.org
Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies by Anne Woodham and Dr. David Peters.
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